HOLLAND -- Stemming the tide of declining membership is the focus of the Reformed Church in America's annual meeting, convening through Tuesday at Hope College.

At the midpoint of a 10-year growth goal, the president of the 202nd General Synod told delegates in his report Friday that the church is advancing. The Rev. John Ornee, pastor of Peace Reformed Church in Zeeland, cited 1,488 adult baptisms in 2006 and more new RCA church starts than ever before, adding an estimated 10,000 people to the church.

"We have lamented for a long time that we are a church in decline," Ornee said. "Shame on us for believing lies, for believing that we are losing ground.

"We have turned the page on declining numbers. We are clearly a growing denomination. The Reformed Church in America is alive and well."

About 400 people, including 250 ministers and elders from RCA churches across the country, are conducting church business and sharing stories of church growth. Seated in groups of five around tables on the floor of DeVos Fieldhouse, delegates heard from Ornee that the RCA "is growing and prospering in new and innovative ways" and "persevering in old tried and true ways."

Being both missional and Reformed is one of the meeting's main themes. At 7 p.m. Saturday, the Synod will hear on that topic from renowned theologian the Rev. Richard Mouw. The public is welcome.

Synod also will continue efforts launched in past years to make the church more inclusive. Recommendations include tracking the racial and ethnic makeup of congregations in order to gauge progress toward becoming a more diverse church.

The Synod continues to conduct business this afternoon, with a report from the church's general secretary, Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in DeVos Fieldhouse, 222 Fairbanks Ave.

"Revitalized congregations lead to revitalized communities," said Granberg-Michaelson, whose office is in Grand Rapids. "Decisions that are made here, people (in the broader community) should be touched by those decisions."